Jayson Tatum scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Sam Hauser sank 25 points with seven 3-pointers as the Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 118-104 on Monday night, seeking redemption for an earlier season loss.
Kristaps Porziņģis contributed 20 points, and Derrick White nearly had a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who have won 11 of their last 13 games.
Hauser was particularly sharp from beyond the arc, hitting 7 of 11 shots, as the Celtics connected on a total of 19 3-pointers against the Hornets. This victory sought retribution for their previous overtime loss to the Hornets on Nov. 20.
Boston, already securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, remains unbeaten this season when making at least 18 3-pointers in a game, boasting a record of 27-0 in such instances.
Hauser attributed his success to Tatum’s playmaking, acknowledging the extra attention Tatum draws from defenders, creating open opportunities for him.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla commended Hauser’s confidence and highlighted how their offensive strategies facilitate his performance, particularly when the team executes multiple layers of their offensive schemes.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points and 11 rebounds, supported by Grant Williams with 23 points and Brandon Miller with 19.
Although the Hornets kept pace for a while, the Celtics pulled away in the third quarter, capitalizing on their size advantage, with Porzingis dominating inside against a depleted Hornets frontcourt.
Hauser sealed the victory with crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, extending the lead. The Celtics’ dominance on the boards, especially with offensive rebounds, further solidified their control of the game.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford acknowledged his team’s defensive lapses, particularly struggling to set up defensively at various points during the game.
